Good Doer

Why do we do the things we do?

Scripture reminds us numerous times of the importance of caring for the poor, clothing the naked and providing shelter for the homeless. But above even that, it talks to us about our purpose. Why do we do the things we do? Are we glorifying God or ourselves?

It is very easy to get in the trap of being a good doer. Being the one who is always helping, always volunteering, available for every function and every need is rewarding. It makes us feel needed, important and accomplished. To some of us it even gives us a sense that we are making up for the wrongs we have committed. Who is getting the Glory? If all of your good deeds are doing nothing but filling you up with purpose then they are being done out of selfish ambition.

1 Timothy 6: ¹⁷Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. ¹⁸Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. ¹⁹In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

Yes, we are called to serve but your good deeds aren't the point. Be the light of Christ to the world not the light of the good doer.

Surrender, Day 2

Give Up

Surrender

Do you ever feel like you have fought and fought and still are getting nowhere? Your working hard, doing the right things, pushing through with everything you have. Still, there is no answer, no solutions to the big questions you are asking.

It is so aggravating how frustrating life gets sometimes. I don't get it. If I am working hard enough, why aren't there more blessings in my life? If I take care of myself, why do I get sick? I love my children, why don't they obey? I make my marriage a priority, why is intimacy so difficult?

Why not just give up?

Actually, that is exactly what you should do. Stop fighting. Stop pushing for the things of this world but focus on things eternal.

Time to wave the white flag. Surrender to the only one that can answer all of your questions with His Life.

May I remind you once again, faithful servant, that there isn't a single thing you can "do" to earn more blessings from God. You have already been given the greatest gift, free(Eph 1:6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved) Grace gives you eternal life(Titus 3:7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.) . Sacrifice of His Son covers your sin (Hebrews 9: how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?).

You see, there is very little hope when you are separated from God. When we surrender and find rest in Him, we find purpose in everything. It is in our time of surrender that we find the nourishment, purpose and strength to keep going.

1 Corinthians 23-25 I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it. Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.

Please continue to pray for Anna B this week.